Sunday, October 6, 1861.—While I was spending Sunday at home, I learned that Uncle Oliver Eldridge[1] was going to sail in command of the steamer Atlantic on General Sherman’s secret expedition to some southern port. I immediately asked Father to let me go with him as captain’s clerk, or in some other capacity. He was unwilling, but finally consented to ask Uncle Oliver if he could take me. Father said that there was no room for me, and I therefore gave up all idea of going, to my great disappointment.
In the afternoon Horace Howland[2] came out to our house and wanted me to go in town and dine with him. We dined at Parker’s and then went to the Lothrops’ to take tea. We left there in time to take the nine o’clock bus for Cambridge. When we reached Cambridge, I found a letter for me from Father, saying that I might go with Uncle Oliver, and that I must start at eight o’clock the next morning. I packed my trunk in a few minutes, and went into Boston and spent the night at Parker’s. I took the 8.30 train for New York in the morning, and reached New York at 5. I went directly to the Astor House, and found that Uncle O. had not started, much to my relief, as I was afraid he might have gone. I saw him in the evening, and he introduced me to Captain Hascall, U. S. Q. M., who said he would give me a place as one of his clerks. I went down to Collins’s wharf the next morning, and was there introduced to Saxton and Marsh, both Captain Hascall’s clerks.
(I spent a week here, at times quite busy, loading ship, etc. I called on the Rowlands and also went to Horace’s apartments, which he has with Ned Wetmore[3] and Fowler. I enjoyed myself very much, being reminded of old college times. While in New York I saw Wilson’s regiment[4] pass through, and felt proud of Massachusetts when I heard the cheers and praises so bountifully bestowed upon them. I saw Tom Sherwin[5] and Charley Griswold[6] with the regiment. )
[1] Married to my step-mother’s sister, Miss Almira Hallett; he was a sea-captain, and a fine man.
[2] My classmate.
[3] Edmund Wetmore, my classmate.
[4] The 22d Mass., Col. Henry Wilson, United States Senator.
[5] My classmate and college chum.
[6] Afterwards Colonel of the 56th Mass.